On 2 Jan 2002, Dean Michael C. Berris wrote: > i am starting up an IT Solutions company, and i am interested in > deploying the and developing in the linux environment. before going and > diving into this venture, i would like to solicit the opinions and views > of other linux users. > > my first question is, if i do choose to provide a linux distribution to > my client, and develop software in and for the same environment, does it > mean that i need to put the software under the GPL - of course, given > that i only use the glibc and other libraries unde the lgpl?
Nope. you don't have to use GPL on your developed software using GPL'ed tools, libraries, etc. But if you modify the source of a GPL'ed software, anybody can ask you for the modifications and you have to give it away. > my next question is, if i provide my clint with GPL'd software, can i > charge them *if* i provide 'warranty" and 'technical support' for the > software? Oh sure. But your clients have no obligation to get your warranty and technical support. > my last question would be, does anybody know a way of making real ca$h > from linux? all the stuff i seem to find on the net is almost always > theoretical - does anybody have experience in making money through open > source / free software i can relate to? Good Question. What I have seen are moderate success like Redhat and IBM. A high percentage of their income is from support. IBM has an edge where it also sells high end hardware coupled with Linux. On the local scene, q-linux.com is making money using open source/free software. If your business model is to create software/applications for linux and sell it, Then don't bother with GPL, use BSD or other variant license. But then again, if you sell it... your software has to be so good that clients are willing to pay for it. There might be softwares out there that are simillar to yours and it's free. regards, --- Andre M. Varon, SCSA http://andre.lasaltech.com Fear can hold you prisoner, Hope can set you free. _ Philippine Linux Users Group. Web site and archives at http://plug.linux.org.ph To leave: send "unsubscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the Linux Newbies' List: send "subscribe" in the body to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
